a good creatures interview with novelist Christina Consolino about being present for both writing and caregiving, and making sure your family sees the joy in your creative work
I love the line “I absolutely refuse not to write” and want to remember that as an appeal to my contrary, stubborn side (especially when I am exhausted by all the non-writing).
thanks, Dan! I've been thinking about themes that come up in these interviews, and that's such a big one--that even small chunks of time can really have a meaningful impact on a creative practice.
I've been thinking about "I can usually find 15 minutes to do some writing" for days now. I've started thinking of it as "the 15 minute rule." I may have to post it on my wall. I used to feel really overwhelmed by the big old house projects my husband and I take on - like if I can't edge the all the moulding at once, why start? And then I just started jumping in with a timer: 25 minutes of painting, 10 to clean up, and I'm in the car to whatever is next. And sh*t gets done that way! Why can't I write the same way? I gave a it try yesterday with a poetry prompt - 15 minutes here, another there. I really felt like I accomplished something. The poem itself may not be earth shattering. I suspect I'll end up using for spare parts. But I feel like I generated some good ideas. And it was fun! Thanks for this.
oh this is so great! and I think the analogy to house projects is a really useful one--you're not going to *finish* the project in 15 minutes, but you're going to make headway. and I think the idea of "spare parts" is so helpful--your goal can be just to stay in touch with your own creative spark, rather than produce a gorgeous, polished draft!
I so needed to read Christina's essay today, as the caregiver and until recently the solo live-in full-time caregiver for my 87-year-old Mom with advanced dementia. Christina is a model of taking advantage of even small chunks of time amid all her caregiving duties, and I was touched by her desire to be a role model for her children in pursuing her dream of writing and publishing novels. I appreciated too the encouragement to "be selfish at times." Thanks for inspiring us other "good creatures," Christina! I can't wait to read your novel, The Weight We Carry, and recommend it on my Substack, which is aimed at providing support, encouragement and resources for dementia caregivers. Thank you @Nancy Reddy for bringing us these much-needed voices on balancing creativity and caregiving.
So relate to the fact that having children has inspired a writing practice and imagination and NEED to write. I find it so hard to balance it all but I know that it is possible but also important. I value what you have said about being present too. It’s definitely something I am hoping to get better at as my mind often wanders when I am looking after my toddlers. 💛
@Nancy Reddy thanks for this meaningful interview with Christina Consolino about her new book. I appreciate her point here that balance between care giving and creativity output is not always balanced, and that it usually tips in one direction or the other. Sometimes I think we try to achieve a uniform balance all the time and that isn’t always realistic!
I needed this medicine so much. Thank you thank you for sharing it. 💓🙏🏻
So glad! Thanks for reading ❤️
I love the line “I absolutely refuse not to write” and want to remember that as an appeal to my contrary, stubborn side (especially when I am exhausted by all the non-writing).
isn't that great? I love the way it positions writing itself as a form of refusal or rebellion!
Lovely!
Thanks, Marlena! ❤️
Love this! So much wisdom, including: "Regardless of what’s happening in my life at the time, I can usually find 15 minutes to do some writing."
thanks, Dan! I've been thinking about themes that come up in these interviews, and that's such a big one--that even small chunks of time can really have a meaningful impact on a creative practice.
I've been thinking about "I can usually find 15 minutes to do some writing" for days now. I've started thinking of it as "the 15 minute rule." I may have to post it on my wall. I used to feel really overwhelmed by the big old house projects my husband and I take on - like if I can't edge the all the moulding at once, why start? And then I just started jumping in with a timer: 25 minutes of painting, 10 to clean up, and I'm in the car to whatever is next. And sh*t gets done that way! Why can't I write the same way? I gave a it try yesterday with a poetry prompt - 15 minutes here, another there. I really felt like I accomplished something. The poem itself may not be earth shattering. I suspect I'll end up using for spare parts. But I feel like I generated some good ideas. And it was fun! Thanks for this.
oh this is so great! and I think the analogy to house projects is a really useful one--you're not going to *finish* the project in 15 minutes, but you're going to make headway. and I think the idea of "spare parts" is so helpful--your goal can be just to stay in touch with your own creative spark, rather than produce a gorgeous, polished draft!
I so needed to read Christina's essay today, as the caregiver and until recently the solo live-in full-time caregiver for my 87-year-old Mom with advanced dementia. Christina is a model of taking advantage of even small chunks of time amid all her caregiving duties, and I was touched by her desire to be a role model for her children in pursuing her dream of writing and publishing novels. I appreciated too the encouragement to "be selfish at times." Thanks for inspiring us other "good creatures," Christina! I can't wait to read your novel, The Weight We Carry, and recommend it on my Substack, which is aimed at providing support, encouragement and resources for dementia caregivers. Thank you @Nancy Reddy for bringing us these much-needed voices on balancing creativity and caregiving.
So glad this found you, Amy ❤️❤️❤️
So relate to the fact that having children has inspired a writing practice and imagination and NEED to write. I find it so hard to balance it all but I know that it is possible but also important. I value what you have said about being present too. It’s definitely something I am hoping to get better at as my mind often wanders when I am looking after my toddlers. 💛
@Nancy Reddy thanks for this meaningful interview with Christina Consolino about her new book. I appreciate her point here that balance between care giving and creativity output is not always balanced, and that it usually tips in one direction or the other. Sometimes I think we try to achieve a uniform balance all the time and that isn’t always realistic!
Love, love this, Christina and Dan! Happy December!